Industry-academia linkages: FPCCI announces initiative with UNIDO-ITPO

KARACHI: Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), has announced a significant initiative in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s Investment and Technology Promotion Office (UNIDO-ITPO) under the Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion (EDIP) Program Pakistan – to strengthen industry-academia linkages and promote entrepreneurship across Pakistan with the support of FPCCI’s Launch pad Pakistan mega initiative.

He said that, with the support of FPCCI’s Launch Pad Pakistan, a training session will be held in April or May 2026 at FPCCI Head Office, Karachi.

The program aims to equip youth, startups and women entrepreneurs with practical knowledge on enterprise development; investment readiness; access to finance and market expansion.

Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, SVP FPCCI, entrusted to lead the program, stated that FPCCI’s collaboration with UNIDO-ITPO was formalized in December 2024 – and, reflects a shared vision to strengthen Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and enhance the capacity of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

He noted that, following the successful training sessions held in 2025, this initiative marks another important milestone in promoting innovation-led economic growth.

The training will feature experts from UNIDO-ITPO; Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP); Launchpad Pakistan; financial institutions and other relevant organizations – providing hands-on guidance and practical insights to the participants.

Highlighting the importance of industry-academia collaboration Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, remarked that bridging the gap between academia and industry is essential for fostering innovation; enhancing employability and creating sustainable economic opportunities.

Through initiatives like Launchpad Pakistan, we are building a dynamic platform where investors meet innovators and ideas are transformed into viable businesses, he added.

Saquib Fayyaz Magoon elaborated that FPCCI has invited trade bodies; universities and academic institutions to nominate two representatives – preferably young entrepreneurs; innovators or women entrepreneurs – for participation in the training program. Selected participants will also be provided opportunities to connect with international networks and institutions for further business development and investment facilitation, he added.

Saquib Fayyaz Magoon reaffirmed FPCCI’s commitment to working closely with national and international partners to promote entrepreneurship; innovation and investment – and, to create meaningful opportunities for Pakistan’s youth and business community.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026